Sadly she's not the only person that feels this way, and this isn't the first article I read from her. From what I vaguely remember I believe she is the woman that stated she'd received threats, harrassing phone calls, plenty of vulgarity and obscenity from the so called "pit bull" owners. I find this sad, and I'm sure the parade of emails, knocks, etc. have only caused her to increase her media coverage and negativity towards "pit bulls" and their owners. I think she likes the bombarding emails, and to know that she's "pissed" people off. People like her refuse to see the positive light despite the negative, and they refuse to listen. They like the drama, and when it dies down the find something else to fire it up again. Her article makes me sick... Just my opinion of course.

You may be right. Maybe the problem is irresponsible owner. Frankly, when
people are being mauled by these dogs, the reason for the carnage doesn't
matter. It's a public safety issue. kerry
----- Original Message -----
From: <mprincess@tellurian.com>
To: <kerry.dougherty@cox.net.>
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 3:27 PM
Subject: pit bull article

> Dear Kerry,
>
> I am writing to you concerning your article
> http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/st ... &ran=42668> about the pit bull.
>
> While yes, all dogs bite, the main issue here is
> Irresponsible dog ownership.. all these dogs that are being
> labeled pit bull or pit bull mixes that are maiming/killing
> humans are because of the irresponsible breeder that bred
> the parents, didnt do a background check on the new owner,
> and the owner didnt do the right thing by training the dog..
> Also, what experts testified that the dogs in question were
> actually pit bulls or pit bull mixes?
>
> Also, dog aggression is NOT the same as human aggression.
> This breed was bred over 200 years ago to never bite a
> human, and unfortunately the drug dealers and irresponsible
> breeders who only see $$$ with puppies and dont care about
> the owners.
>
> I am the proud owner of a pit bull mix, he is Therapy
> Certified , has his Canine Good Citizen (http://www.akc.org) , and
> also passed the http://www.atts.org and has his Temperment Test
> Title.. He has 2nd graders read to him, and goes to the
> hospital every saturday, and the local nursing home. he is
> not a bad dog, i took him to obedience school every week for
> 2 years since he was 2 months old..
>
> Banning this breed wont help. the breeders and irresponsible
> owners will just go and get another breed. Please go to
> http://www.realpitbull.com and read up on this breed you want
> banned.
>
> Sincerely,
> Maryellen Swiatek
> Rufus UKC-LP, CGC, TT, Therapy Dog
>